MENOMONEE FALLS, WI - Swimming for suicide and mental health awareness, a Menomonee Falls mom is on a mission to raise money one lap at a time.
“I’ve been swimming about five days a week between a mile and a half and two miles a day," Tammy Langhoff said.
Though she enjoys swimming, lately Langhoff's swim sessions aren't recreational, they're required if she's going to reach her goal of swimming the length of Lake Michigan (307 miles) by the end of the year to raise money for suicide awareness and prevention.
“Suicide prevention has been a cause I’ve been really dedicated to since Katie’s passing," Tammy said.
"I really want to make a difference in the community and I am committed to paying the foundation $5 for every mile I swim, but I'd like others to make pledges too," she continued.
The death of her daughter, Katie, eight years ago is what inspired Tammy's dedication. She lost her youngest daughter to suicide and she now has a memorial foundation in her memory. Tammy usually raises about $2,000 to award scholarships each year, but this year she’s shifting the focus and raising money to implement mental health programs in local schools.
“I think about the kids that are in high school that can’t talk about it or that won’t admit to it and I hope that we can do a lot to raise awareness," Tammy said.
Tammy admits now that she’s pacemaker dependent swimming this often is tough on her body, but she has a goal to meet and a difference to make, and that is what keeps her going.
“When I am sore or I’m tired I just think I have to keep doing this because there’s a lot of work to be done," Tammy said.
